Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid This Spring

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your lawn after a long winter, but even well-intentioned efforts can go sideways if you're not careful. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, avoiding these common lawn care mistakes can make all the difference in achieving a lush, healthy yard this season.

1. Starting Too Early

As eager as you might be to kick off your spring lawn routine, starting too early can backfire. Soil needs time to thaw and dry out; working wet or frozen soil can cause compaction, damaging roots and reducing oxygen flow.

💡 Pro Tip: Wait until your lawn shows signs of consistent growth and the soil is no longer soggy before aerating, fertilizing, or mowing.

2. Mowing Too Short

One of the most common spring lawn care mistakes is mowing your grass too short — also known as "scalping." Cutting the grass too low weakens it and invites weeds and disease.

💡 Pro Tip: Stick to the rule of thirds: never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing session. Set your mower blades high for the first few cuts of spring.

3. Ignoring Soil Health

Lawn health begins below the surface. If your soil is compacted or nutrient-deficient, it can hinder grass growth and increase the risk of disease.

💡 Pro Tip: Conduct a soil test early in the season to understand pH levels and nutrient needs. Then, consider aerating the soil and applying organic matter if necessary.

4. Using the Wrong Fertilizer

Using the wrong fertilizer — or applying too much — can do more harm than good. Over-fertilization can lead to burned grass and nutrient runoff.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suited for early spring. Products like our Growth Maximizer Fertilizer Powder and Growth Maximizer Liquid All-Purpose Fertilizer are designed to provide consistent nourishment without overloading your lawn. Look for options tailored to your grass type and climate zone.

5. Skipping Weed Prevention

Waiting until weeds appear before taking action puts you at a disadvantage. Many common lawn weeds — like crabgrass — germinate in early spring.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures hit 55°F. Don’t forget to reseed bald patches after, and follow up with a gentle watering schedule.

6. Watering at the Wrong Time

Frequent, shallow watering can lead to weak roots and increased susceptibility to drought. Springtime often brings more natural rainfall, so you may not need to water much at all early in the season.

💡 Pro Tip: When watering is needed, do so in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent disease. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.

7. Overlooking Seasonal Transitions

Spring lawn care isn’t just about the now — it's also about setting your yard up for summer. A weak or neglected spring lawn can struggle once temperatures rise.

💡 Pro Tip: Finish spring strong by boosting root growth and prepping your lawn to withstand heat. A product like our Bloom Booster Fertilizer Powder can help strengthen root systems and encourage vibrant, resilient grass as the weather warms.

Final Thoughts

Proper lawn care this spring doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional. Avoiding these common mistakes and sticking to a smart seasonal routine can help you maintain a thick, green lawn all year long.

And if you're looking for lawn-safe, easy-to-use fertilizers that support healthy growth from root to tip, check out our line of Catena-Grow products, available in both powder and liquid formulas, with something for every yard and gardener level.